Monday, January 30, 2012

Yes YOU, biologically speaking, you are a runner. The question is, when did you lose the ability to run? How long has it been since you ran? As youngsters we grow up running then at some point, you stopped.

Some 2.3 million years ago human evolution took a huge leap. Researchers believe it was because of the introduction of protein into our diet. Meat. What is interesting about this fact in this jump in evolution is it occurred prior to the invention of tools. Humans engaged in persistence hunting, chasing an animal for hours until it overheated, making it easy to kill at close range. We are built for distance running. We have a great cooling system (our many sweat glands and little body hair), with upright posture and massive gluteus maximus muscles, springy ligaments, and toes.

In this day and age of computers, cars, motorized wheel chairs, and over-processed foods, we have learned to suppress our natural instinct to run. The hustle and bustle of life has replaced normal physiology. We as humans are lazy. Sedentary life styles contribute overwhelmingly to the health issues as we age, not age itself. Our habits trend toward increasingly sedentary ways as we age.

What’s keeping you from picking up and running? Does the reason have something to do with the biggest misconception about running, that running is bad on the joints? WRONG! There is absolutely no research to back that claim up. Studies in the last few years are finding that we have BETTER joint health with running than without. Did you know that the risk-factors for heart disease (smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes) are more related to poor joint health than running? That is correct, a healthy lifestyle will result in healthy joint surfaces.

If you have tried running and quit I would argue that running wasn’t the problem. What if you went too fast, too soon? What if you went too slow? Is it possible you did not “dose” the introduction of running properly and safely? People tend to jump to conclusions, that they are not capable of such a feat. My favorite words are “I never thought I could do that.” If you have the strength and conditioning to run, it does not hurt to run. It is never too late to start. Can you train to marathon distance right out of the gate? Can you shoot for a 18 min 5K the first time out? No! Slow it down, dose it smart, and move your body forward. I leave you with 2 of the best examples:

Lew Hollander- LewHollander.com. An 80 year old man who has competed at the IronMan World Championships 21 years in a row. Yes, 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run (marathon) in 100-120 degree heat on a volcano. I think he has the key. Check him out.

The Iron Nun. Sister Madonna Buder. Began running at 48 years old. 385 triathlons later, including 30 plus iron distance races she is still competing and forcing Ironman to invent new age groups at the world championships for her to compete in, she is 81 years young. Check her out too!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Physically speaking that is. For the first time in years I have obligations getting in the way of my training and my training is feeling it. I have had some musculoskeletal issues that are lingering on and putting a dent on how I can run. Frustrating. I am going to run the Surf City Half and I will be hard pressed to finish. This will be 2 years in a row that I have a musculoskeletal issue preventing me from running the full. At least this year I can run. I didn't post last week our of shear frustration. I know training and health/fitness is a roller coaster but that doesn't mean I have to like it. For 90% of last year I was training really well so this is balance. I get it. I am happy to say that a few other things are going on that are noteworthy. I feel honored to be recognized as one of the top 125 triathlon blogs at number 96. If you would like to see the list HERE IT IS HERE. After surf city I am going to highlight my return to triathlon for a VERY inspirational reason. I am excited and it deserves a full post. Stay tuned.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

You know what they say. If you dont have anything nice to blog about you shouldn't blog at all. So this week my calf turned a corner. I am cautiously optimistic about how my surf city race should be. Had to bag the full but happy to run the half.

Tuesday-Goal was to move forward for 30 min. I ran/walked it and was able to go about 4 min before it tightened up or got super tight. I ran about 20/30 min and felt OK about it.

Thursday-30 min where I only walked about 2-3 min. Those 2-3 min though I thought it was going to strain again. I felt good every where else. FINALLY a run.

Saturday-While I had to turndown 400 m repeats with the "bog boys" as he said, I was happy to go for a while. I thought if I get to 30 and I can go to 45 I will go. If I get to 45 and I feel good I will go to 60 min. Well I went 70 min. I didn't have any pain, just slight tightness and I felt ready to go. Even felt ok as far as pace/fitness goes. Today, no soreness. Cautiously optimistic about my chances of getting off the ground before surf city.

The other days were res/rehab and getting this calf ready to run.

I would like to send a big shout out to a stud of a runner who ran the Arizona Rock n Roll half marathon. She was told she would never run more than 5 miles after her gnarly back injury. She ran the half with no signs or symptoms and not just that ran a 1:46. Atta girl Michelle, YOU ROCK.

Monday, January 9, 2012

well now that this is going on the 3rd week of no real running and rehab only, I do not know what I am going to do with this season. I think with schedule about to heat up at track and my recent troubles I am going to dial down the training the next few months. I am going to get this tendon issue resolved and get the effects of the injury fixed and then plug away. I am going insane for sure not able to run. I did get a 1/2 mile before I had to turn around this week. Better than 0.1. Keep plugging away. The good news is I have not gained one pound through the month of december or now. I feel like my fitness is far away though. It is an awful feeling. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I will get this fixed here soon.

Monday, January 2, 2012

I'm such a bad patient. I hate being hurt. I am so bored and I just want to run. The end to 2011 was so abrupt. I am starting off 2012 with no real plans. The full at surf city is at serious risk. I'm not sure. December was definitely a down month. No good runs during the whole month. I have to figure things out here soon.

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About Me

A age grouper triathlete runner learning how to make the most out of everyday. These are my trials and tribulations along my journey to see what kind of triathlete/person I can be while making this a healthy and active planet.